January 14 - Friendship and Covenant

Today's Reading:
1 Samuel 20:1-21:15
Romans 10:14-11:12
Psalm 78:56-72
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses:
1 Samuel 20:16-17
16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "May the LORD call David's enemies to account." 17 And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.

Insight:
Jonathan's affection and loyalty for David serve as a beautiful example of what friendship can be when friends humble themselves before God and walk with integrity. When people put the Lord first, they become more able to be authentic friends. They are able to be loyal and they are prompted to consider the interests of others.

Jonathan could have easily seen David as a threat to his future, his standing, his prospects and his birthright. Instead, Jonathan accepted that David was God's choice to be the next king of Israel. Because Jonathan and David were both committed to God and trusted in him, they were able to pledge their trust and loyalty to each other.

Response and Action:
I want to be a good friend. By seeking God with my whole heart and living according to his word, I hope to find the wisdom, integrity, and humility I need to be a good friend. I am thankful for the genuine friends God has brought into my life. I will strive to be a true friend and a blessing to others.

O God, I thank you for the friendship Christ Jesus has extended to me. Help me to know him, follow him, and trust him so completely that I am able to be a Christlike friend to others. Teach me to love others as Christ has loved me. I pray through Jesus, my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses:
1 John 4:11-12
11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Resources:
Spiritual Friendship
by Mindy Caliguire